10586220

Augmented Reality Dynamic Authentication

PublishedMarch 10, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
10 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system for performing authorization of a user in an augmented reality environment, the system comprising: an augmented reality user device, an automatic teller machine, and an authentication server; the automatic teller machine comprising a physical keypad, the physical keypad comprising one more unmarked buttons; the augmented reality user device comprising: a display configured to overlay virtual objects onto a field of view of a user in real-time; a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory and the display; the one or more processors operable to: receive a virtual keypad overlay, the virtual keypad overlay comprising an assignment of values to each of the one or more unmarked buttons of the physical keypad, wherein the one or more processors are operable to receive the virtual keypad overlay from the authentication server; display a graphical representation of the virtual keypad overlay on the physical keypad such that the assignment of values appears on the one more unmarked buttons of the physical keypad; the automatic teller machine further comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors operable to: detect an input sequence entered by the user on the physical keypad; send the input sequence to the authentication server; and receive an authentication response from the authentication server; the authentication server comprising: a memory operable to store a database, the database comprising one or more records associating a user identifier with a stored authentication code; and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors operable to: receive the input sequence from the automatic teller machine; determine, using the input sequence and the virtual keypad overlay, an authentication code; identify the stored authentication code associated with the user from the database; compare the determined authentication code with the stored authentication code associated with the user to authorize the user; and send an authentication response to the automatic teller machine.

Plain English Translation

The system enables secure user authentication in an augmented reality (AR) environment for interacting with an automatic teller machine (ATM). The problem addressed is the lack of secure, user-friendly authentication methods for ATMs in AR environments, where traditional keypads may not provide sufficient security or accessibility. The system includes an AR user device, an ATM with a physical keypad containing unmarked buttons, and an authentication server. The AR device overlays virtual objects onto the user's field of view in real-time. The authentication server generates a virtual keypad overlay that assigns dynamic values to the unmarked buttons on the ATM's physical keypad. The AR device displays this overlay, visually mapping the virtual values onto the physical buttons. When a user enters a sequence on the physical keypad, the ATM sends the input to the authentication server. The server uses the virtual keypad overlay to decode the input sequence into an authentication code. The server then compares this code against a stored authentication code associated with the user in its database. If they match, the user is authorized, and the server sends an authentication response to the ATM. This approach enhances security by dynamically assigning values to unmarked buttons, making it difficult for observers to deduce the correct input sequence. The AR overlay ensures users can interact with the physical keypad accurately, even if the buttons are unmarked.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors of the augmented reality user device are operable to receive the virtual keypad overlay from the automatic teller machine.

Plain English Translation

Augmented reality (AR) systems enhance user interaction with physical environments by overlaying digital information. A key challenge is integrating AR with existing physical systems, such as automated teller machines (ATMs), to improve usability and security. This invention addresses this by enabling an AR user device to receive a virtual keypad overlay from an ATM, enhancing transaction security and user experience. The system includes an AR user device with one or more processors and a display. The device captures an image of the ATM, identifies its location and orientation, and generates a virtual keypad overlay aligned with the physical ATM interface. The overlay is dynamically received from the ATM, ensuring synchronization between the physical and digital elements. This approach prevents shoulder surfing by displaying the keypad only on the user's device, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive input. The AR device processes the captured image to determine the ATM's position and orientation, then renders the virtual keypad in the correct spatial context. The system may also include authentication mechanisms to verify the user's identity before displaying the overlay. By integrating AR with ATMs, the invention improves transaction security while maintaining a seamless user experience. This solution is particularly useful in public spaces where privacy and security are critical.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors of the automatic teller machine are further operable to send the virtual keypad overlay to the authentication server.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure authentication systems for automatic teller machines (ATMs). The problem addressed is the vulnerability of traditional ATM keypads to shoulder surfing and skimming attacks, where unauthorized individuals can observe or record keystrokes to steal sensitive information like PINs. The solution involves generating a virtual keypad overlay that dynamically changes the positions of keys to prevent unauthorized observation. The system includes an ATM with one or more processors, a display, and a user input device. The processors generate a virtual keypad overlay with randomized key positions and display it on the ATM screen. Users interact with the virtual keypad instead of the physical keypad, making it difficult for attackers to predict or record correct key presses. The processors also send the virtual keypad overlay data to an authentication server to verify user inputs against the expected key positions. This ensures that even if an attacker captures input data, the randomized overlay prevents accurate reconstruction of the PIN. The system enhances security by combining dynamic key randomization with server-side validation, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors of the augmented reality user device are operable to send the virtual keypad overlay to the authentication server.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an augmented reality (AR) system for secure authentication, addressing the challenge of securely entering credentials in public or shared environments where physical keypads or keyboards may be compromised. The system uses an AR user device to project a virtual keypad overlay onto a physical surface, allowing users to input credentials without exposing them to visual or physical interception. The AR device captures user interactions with the virtual keypad, processes the input, and transmits the data to an authentication server for verification. This approach enhances security by eliminating the need for physical input devices, reducing the risk of keylogging or shoulder surfing. The system also includes features to detect and mitigate tampering, such as analyzing the spatial relationship between the user's input and the projected keypad to ensure authenticity. The AR device may also adjust the virtual keypad's position or opacity dynamically to further obscure the input process from unauthorized observers. The invention improves upon traditional authentication methods by leveraging AR technology to create a more secure and user-friendly credential entry process.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the augmented reality user device comprises a head-mounted display.

Plain English Translation

Augmented reality (AR) systems enhance real-world environments by overlaying digital information, but traditional AR devices often lack ergonomic comfort and immersive integration. This invention addresses these limitations by incorporating a head-mounted display (HMD) into an AR system. The HMD is designed to provide a seamless, hands-free experience, allowing users to interact with virtual content while maintaining situational awareness of their physical surroundings. The system includes sensors and processing components that track the user's movements and adjust the displayed AR content in real time, ensuring accurate alignment with the real world. The HMD may also feature adjustable optics, lightweight materials, and ergonomic design to improve comfort during extended use. Additionally, the system may integrate with other AR user devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to expand functionality. By combining the portability and convenience of a head-mounted display with advanced AR capabilities, this invention enhances user engagement and practical applications in fields like gaming, education, and industrial training.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. A method of performing authorization of a user in an augmented reality environment, the method comprising: receiving, by an augmented reality user device, a virtual keypad overlay for a physical keypad of an automatic teller machine, wherein: receiving the virtual keypad overlay comprises receiving the virtual keypad overlay from an authentication server; the augmented reality user device comprises a display configured to overlay virtual objects onto a field of view of a user in real-time; the physical keypad comprises a plurality of user inputs; and the virtual keypad overlay comprises an assignment of values to each of the user inputs of the plurality of user inputs of the physical keypad; displaying a graphical representation of the virtual keypad overlay on the physical keypad such that the assignment of values appears on the plurality of user inputs of the physical keypad; detecting, by the automatic teller machine, an input sequence entered by the user on the physical keypad; sending the input sequence to the authentication server; determining, by the authentication server, an authentication code using the input sequence and the virtual keypad overlay; comparing the determined authentication code with a stored authentication code associated with the user to authorize the user; and sending an authentication response to the automatic teller machine.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure user authentication in augmented reality (AR) environments, specifically for transactions at automatic teller machines (ATMs). The problem addressed is the vulnerability of traditional ATM keypads to shoulder surfing and skimming attacks, where unauthorized parties observe or capture user input. The solution involves an AR-based virtual keypad overlay system that dynamically assigns values to physical keypad buttons, making it difficult for attackers to infer the correct input sequence. The system includes an AR user device with a display that overlays virtual objects onto the user's field of view in real time. The AR device receives a virtual keypad overlay from an authentication server, which assigns unique values to each physical keypad button. The overlay is displayed on the physical keypad, showing the assigned values to the user. When the user enters a sequence on the physical keypad, the ATM detects the input and sends it to the authentication server. The server uses the input sequence and the virtual keypad overlay to determine an authentication code. This code is compared to a stored authentication code associated with the user. If they match, the user is authorized, and the authentication server sends a response to the ATM. This approach enhances security by obscuring the actual input values from observers, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein receiving the virtual keypad overlay comprises receiving the virtual keypad overlay from the automatic teller machine.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing user interaction with an automatic teller machine (ATM) involves generating and displaying a virtual keypad overlay on a user device to improve security and usability. The virtual keypad overlay is designed to prevent shoulder surfing and keylogging attacks by dynamically altering the positions of keys or using non-standard layouts. The overlay is received from the ATM itself, ensuring synchronization between the physical ATM interface and the virtual keypad displayed on the user's device. This method allows users to input sensitive information, such as PINs or transaction details, through the virtual keypad while the ATM processes the input securely. The system may also include features like touch feedback or visual cues to confirm input accuracy. By decoupling the input method from the physical keypad, the solution reduces the risk of unauthorized observation or recording of sensitive data during ATM transactions. The virtual keypad can be customized based on user preferences or security settings, further enhancing flexibility and protection.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising sending, by the automatic teller machine, the virtual keypad overlay to the authentication server.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to secure authentication systems for automatic teller machines (ATMs) that use virtual keypad overlays to prevent shoulder-surfing attacks. The problem addressed is the vulnerability of traditional physical keypads to visual observation, where attackers can see or record PIN entries. The solution involves generating a virtual keypad overlay that dynamically changes the positions of keys, making it difficult for observers to determine the correct PIN even if they see the input sequence. The virtual keypad is displayed on a touchscreen or integrated display, and the user interacts with it to enter authentication credentials. The system includes an authentication server that processes the input and verifies the user's identity. Additionally, the ATM sends the virtual keypad overlay data to the authentication server, allowing the server to validate the overlay's integrity and ensure secure communication. This method enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access due to visual observation while maintaining usability. The system may also include features like session-based encryption and dynamic key randomization to further strengthen security.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising sending, by the augmented reality user device, the virtual keypad overlay to the authentication server.

Plain English Translation

Augmented reality (AR) systems enhance real-world environments with digital overlays, but securely authenticating users in AR applications remains challenging. Existing methods often rely on traditional input methods like passwords or biometrics, which may not integrate seamlessly with AR interfaces. This invention addresses the need for secure, user-friendly authentication in AR by generating and displaying a virtual keypad overlay on an AR device. The virtual keypad appears as an interactive digital interface superimposed on the real-world view, allowing users to input credentials without physical keyboards. The AR device captures user input through gestures, gaze tracking, or other AR interaction methods and processes the input locally or via a connected server. To enhance security, the virtual keypad may dynamically change its layout or appearance to thwart shoulder-surfing attacks. Additionally, the AR device sends the virtual keypad overlay data to an authentication server, which verifies the input against stored credentials. This method ensures secure authentication while maintaining the immersive AR experience. The invention improves upon prior art by integrating authentication directly into the AR environment, reducing reliance on external devices and enhancing usability.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 6 , wherein the augmented reality user device comprises a head-mounted display.

Plain English Translation

Augmented reality (AR) systems enhance real-world environments by overlaying digital information, but traditional AR devices often lack ergonomic designs that integrate seamlessly with user movement. This invention addresses the need for a more immersive and user-friendly AR experience by incorporating a head-mounted display (HMD) into an AR system. The HMD is designed to project digital content directly into the user's field of view, allowing for hands-free interaction with virtual elements overlaid onto the physical world. The device may include sensors, such as cameras or motion trackers, to detect the user's environment and adjust the displayed content in real time. By mounting the display on the head, the system ensures stability and reduces the need for external hardware, improving mobility and comfort. The AR content can include visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, enhancing situational awareness in applications like navigation, training, or entertainment. The invention aims to provide a more natural and intuitive way to interact with augmented environments, overcoming limitations of stationary or handheld AR devices.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

March 10, 2020

Inventors

Amanda J. Adams
Joseph N. Johansen
Michael Ogrinz
Heather Dolan
William P. Jacobson
Manu J. Kurian

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Augmented Reality Dynamic Authentication